Lot 81

Texas Shipped Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army

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Texas Shipped Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army

Estimate: $37,500 - $55,000

Starting Bid: $32,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive Documented Fort Worth, Texas Shipped Wilbur Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Steer Head Relief Carved Pearl Grips and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1926, this is a rare and highly attractive example of a Wilbur Glahn factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver that was shipped to a well-known Fort Worth, Texas retailer. Also known as "The Peacemaker", these Colt Single Action Army revolvers forged a legacy in Texas and the rest of the American West that has stood the test of time. To this day they remain arguably the firearm that is most deeply associated with the frontier and America as a whole, as well as being one of the most iconic and recognizable firearms in the world. This incredible legacy has kept these revolvers, particularly factory engraved examples like this one, highly sought after by collectors as well as some of the most treasured pieces of Americana. In "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. II" by R.L. Wilson, the author notes that in the period from 1922 to 1940 only approximately 450 Single Action Army revolvers are listed in the factory ledgers as having been engraved. That number was a marked decrease from the period of 1873 to 1921, though factory engraved examples during that period remain considerably rare as well. The included factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, pearl grips, and "Grade #2" factory engraving when shipped to A.J. Anderson Co. of Fort Worth, Texas on 23 November 1926 as one of two guns of its type in the shipment. A.J. Anderson Co. is listed as having been founded in Fort Worth around 1877, focusing on sporting goods including firearms for most of their existence. Multiple legendary frontier figures are noted as doing their arms business at the Anderson Co., including the notorious outlaw Sam Bass just before he was killed, as well as the gunslinger and Fort Worth deputy sheriff "Longhair Jim" Courtright, who was killed in a gunfight in 1887. This particular revolver certainly has the look of a sidearm one might expect to see in the holster of a flashy Texas gunslinger. This particular revolver exhibits the beautiful artistry of Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn, with an almost identical example being pictured on p. 560 of the previously mentioned book, with that revolver having been a gift to Floyd Randolph, a sheriff in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Wilbur Glahn was employed at the Colt factory from 1919 to 1923, before relocating to his home workshop, continuing to do the majority of Colt's engraving work until 1950 when he became ill, passing away in early 1951. The engraving itself covers around half of the revolver's surfaces, featuring primarily Glahn's typical vine-like floral scrollwork on matted backgrounds. The loading gate, recoil shield, top of the back strap, and butt all feature the "chevron" patterns amongst the scrollwork, a signature trait of Glahn's engraving. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates followed by a lightly struck Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame as well as the right side of both grip straps under the grip panel. It is fitted with the standard blade front sight and frame-top groove rear sight, as well as a pair of highly attractive period retailer pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel, which is missing the jeweled eyes. The grips were almost certainly fitted on the revolver when it arrived at A.J. Anderson Co. at the request of the discerning customer who ordered it.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 5 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number350426

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus of the original nickel plating with some light holster wear on the muzzle and sides of the barrel showing a bright grey patina, while the engraving remains extremely crisp. The grips are fine with a small repair at the heel of the left panel, a very light chip on the heel of the right panel, and very crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. This is a highly desirable, very scarce, and extremely attractive example of a Colt "Peacemaker" engraved by factory Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000